nonfiction; memoirs of 4 orphaned kids. ( )

I read this book because I too grew up in Bedford New York and was quite happy I did (read it that is). At the beginning, when the roads leading from Fox Lane School (my high school) to Routh 684 were erroneously described as "dirt-packed" I worried that the authors were trying to convey an inaccurate image of the town, but I soon got over my (very small) problem as I fell in love with the book. It was just beautifully done, capturing how each of the four children managed after their parents died. ( )

This is an incredible read. It's heartbreaking and funny and full of so much hurt, loss and pain I had to put it down at times. Considering everything all four kids/adults go through it never reads like a plea for sympathy or a sob story. It's an amazing compilation of work on all the part of all four siblings and their stories are well told and well crafted. As someone who lost a parent at a fairly young age I related strongly to much of what they shared even when the circumstances were entirely different. ( )

The Welches are the epitome of resilience, facing several tragedies in their lifetime but still managing to muddle through and become successful adults. Amanda, Liz, Dan and Diana Welch are orphaned after their father is killed in a car accident in 1982 and their mother succumbs to cancer in the winter of 1985. The children are sent to live with different family friends but manage to stay relatively close through the years. The memoir is told from each of the children's point of view and some of the memories vary slightly in their recollection. The book is at times humorous and heartbreaking but also inspirational. I love the way the kids stuck together no matter what and were always there for one another. Great book, 4 stars! ( )

I actually picked this up thinking that this was a book that the movie of the same title was based on, and found out soon after that it wasn't. Still, it wasn't a horrible read. It started off well, but I felt that it fell apart at the end, and I remember getting a trifle bit irritated with some of the characters. All in all, nothing too memorable, but I'm all for supporting the book industry, so I'm glad I picked this book up at least for that. With that exception, I really could take it or leave it. Probably would not re-read or recommend to anyone. I do give them some points for having the whole family chip in, and did think it was an interesting way to give the reader multiple views of the same events. I also recommend, if you read the book, to check out the website they give you so you can get feedback from some of the characters that are mentioned in the book, but didn't get to relate their point of view. I feel that some of the characters are bad mouthed a bit on the cruel side, and it's nice that they get their chance to have a say. ( )